Safety & Stabilization Counselor (SSC)

Our Mission

At Whole Person Care Clinic (WPCC), our mission is to provide holistic, compassionate, and accessible care that nurtures the physical, emotional, and social well-being of every individual we serve. Through an integrated approach that combines medical expertise, mental health support, and community services, we are dedicated to addressing the full spectrum of our patients' needs. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, we empower individuals to achieve their highest quality of life and well-being, regardless of their socioeconomic status. We strive to create a supportive community where every person is valued, heard, and cared for with dignity and respect.

Position Summary

The Safety & Stabilization Counselor is a frontline professional responsible for maintaining a safe, predictable, and supportive environment for clients enrolled in Recuperative Care. This role blends safety monitoring, trauma-informed engagement, and short-term crisis stabilization, requiring strong judgment, emotional maturity, and consistent reliability.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Shows up on time, every time
• Demonstrates excellent follow-through
• Maintains professional boundaries
• Communicates clearly and respectfully
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment
• Is committed to client dignity, safety, and stabilization

This position works closely with case managers, medical providers, and behavioral health staff to support clients recovering from medical and behavioral health challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Trauma-Informed Support

• Build rapport with clients using empathy, professionalism, and cultural humility
• Provide supportive listening and emotional stabilization during moments of distress
• Encourage client participation in care plans and daily routines

Safety Monitoring & Crisis Response

• Maintain a safe and orderly environment through consistent monitoring of facility grounds
• Identify, document, and address safety risks proactively
• Utilize non-violent crisis intervention, de-escalation, and trauma-informed techniques
• Respond to behavioral, medical, or environmental emergencies in coordination with staff and emergency responders
• Enforce facility expectations with fairness, clarity, and consistency
• Daily Living & Basic Needs Assistance
• Assist clients with daily living activities including hygiene, mobility support, meal preparation, and cleanup.
• Ensure basic needs are met, including access to food, clothing, and personal hygiene supplies.

Case Coordination & Team Collaboration

• Support implementation of individualized care plans in collaboration with case managers, clinicians, and support staff.
• Participate in team huddles, case conferences, and interdisciplinary planning meetings to ensure client needs are addressed holistically.

Community Integration & Resource Access

• Assist clients in accessing essential services such as medical care, behavioral health, housing assistance, transportation, job readiness, and education programs.
• Maintain working knowledge of available community resources and assist with referrals and coordination.

Documentation, Compliance & Professional Conduct

• Complete incident reports, shift logs, and client notes with accuracy and timeliness
• Uphold confidentiality and HIPAA standards
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and strong work ethic in all interactions
• Model WPCC values of dignity, respect, and accountability

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a related setting (recuperative care, shelter, residential treatment, behavioral health, or healthcare)
• Knowledge of crisis intervention, safety protocols, and de-escalation strategies
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, or trauma

Certifications or Licenses

• CADTP Registration or Certification (SUDRC or SUDCC) - (Required at time of hire)
• California Guard Card or Proprietary Private Security Officer (PSO) registration (Required at time of hire)
• BLS Certification (Required)
• Bilingual in English/Spanish (preferred)

Core Competencies

• Trauma‑informed and culturally responsive care
• Foundational Knowledge of Substance Use Disorders
• Sound judgment and ethical decision‑making
• Advanced Crisis Intervention & Real‑Time De‑Escalation Skills
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced, high‑acuity care environment
• Emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust with diverse populations
• Commitment to confidentiality, compliance, and professional standards
• Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and EHR systems

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk facility grounds regularly and assist clients physically when needed
• May involve long periods of standing and occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.)
• Work is performed on-site at the shelter facility; safety and PPE protocols must be followed

Schedule and Travel Requirements

• Full-time (40 hours/week)
• Shift schedules may vary, including evening, overnight, and weekend availability
• May require occasional travel to WPCC partner sites in Long Beach or surrounding areas

EEO / ADA Statement

WPCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. WPCC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for the position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Work Location: In person